Contact-group sensitization to triphenylmethane dyes. Gentian violet, brilliant green, and malachite green

Two-Dimensional Cellular and Three-Dimensional Bio-Printed Skin Models to Screen Topical-Use Compounds for Irritation Potential

“…Interestingly, even though methylrosaniline differs from methyl violet by only a methyl group, it causes more severe tissue damage than the latter (Figures 6E,G). Methyl violet has been reported as a carcinogen and eye irritant in mice (Littlefield et al, 1985), as well as a few reports of contact sensitization to this dye (Bielicky and Novák, 1969;Bajaj and Gupta, 1986). The first report of methylrosaniline-caused allergy was as early as 1940 (Goldstein, 1940).…”

Topical gentian violet for cutaneous infection and nasal carriage with MRSA

“…Gentian violet is a triphenylmethane rosaniline dye, and is bacteriostatic and bactericidal to Gram‐positive bacteria, including streptococci and staphylococci, and to many fungi 8,9 , 10,11 . Hypersensitivity to gentian violet has been rarely reported 12 . The susceptibility of Gram‐positive bacteria to the rosaniline dyes is presumably associated with the characteristics of the cell that underlie the differential Gram stain.…”

Contact Allergy to Brilliant Green in a Leg Ulcer Patient

“…Contact group sensitization of brilliant green to gentian violet [3] and cross-reactivity to other triphenylmethane dyes used for instance in the textile industry and as a hair dye constituent have to be considered [10]. In our case, this was not of clinical relevance.…”

“…Adverse side-effects are rare but include skin necrosis and contact dermatitis [3][4][5][6][7][8]. Some concerns have been raised that brilliant green may contain heavy metals and other impurities [3,9].…”